This conference focused on President Medvedev’s modernisation agenda for Russia and on efforts by the UK and others to contribute to its success. It examined the wider context – moving Russia from a resource-based to a knowledge-based economy, the evolving role of the state in Russia and elsewhere, and the impact of the global financial crisis.

Topics included rule of law, innovation, science and technology, education, new media and energy.

The conference also explored parallels between the UK debate around the concept of the big society and Russia’s modernisation agenda.